the power of she

i write because its therapeutic. because sometimes there is no one who truly understands, try as they might. because i often find the answers in my words where i least expected them. because im trying to take my mind off the inevitable. because im stalling for time, hoping that i can get lost somewhere in my words. many friends have told me they find solace in my words, and i thank them for that. i hate taking credit for my writing because the words seem to just come from nowhere. its nothing i could have learned or practiced. its not something i work at and pat myself on the back for. its just a gift. one that i honestly thank god for everyday and dont know how id live without. more often than not, however, i find more comfort in the words of others. i am just about the furthest thing from a feminist. but sometimes you need a little girl power. and for those of you who cant seem to find it in the spice girls never give up on the good times lyrics, here is something that may resound a little more clearly with you:

she  [by kobi yamada]

she must be something special. she is.

celebrate her.

she loved life and it loved her back.

celebrate her passion.

she listened to her heart above al other voices.

celebrate her wisdom. 

she pursued big dreams instead of small realities.

celebrate her priorities.

she saw every ending as a new beginning.

celebrate her resiliency.

she discovered her real measurements had nothing to do with numbers or statistics.

celebrate her self esteem.

she was kind, loving and patient...with herself.

celebrate her tenderness.

she woke up one day and threw away all her excuses.

celebrate her accountability.

she realized that she was missing a great deal by being sensible.

celebrate her spirit.

she turned her cant's into cans and her dreams into plans.

celebrate her goals.

she ignored people who said it couldnt be done.

celebrate her independence.

she had a way of turning obstacles into opportunities.

celebrate her magic.

she went out on a limb, had it break off behind her and discovered she could fly.

celebrate her faith.

she discovered she was the one shed been waiting for.

celebrate her self reliance.

she added so much beauty to being human.

celebrate her presence.

she walked in when everyone else walked out.

celebrate her friendship.

she just has this way of brightening the day.

celebrate her radiance.

she made the whole world feel like home.

celebrate her warmth.

she decided to enjoy more and endure less.

celebrate her choices.

she decided to start living the life shed imagined.

celebrate her freedom.

she colored her thoughts with only the brightest hues. 

celebrate her optimism.

she was an artist and her life was her canvas.

celebrate her brilliance.

she ran ahead where there were no paths.

celebrate her bravery.

she crossed borders recklessly, refusing the recognize limits, saying bonjour and bon giorno as though she owned both france and italy and the day itself.

celebrate her joie de vivre.

she held her head high and looked the world straight in the eye.

celebrate her strength.

she not only saw a light at the end of the tunnel; she became the light for others.

celebrate her compassion.

she designed a life she loved.

celebrate her joy.

she took the leap and built her wings on the way down.

celebrate her daring.

she said bye bye to unhealthy relationships.

celebrate her happiness.

she remained true to herself.

celebrate her authenticity.

she made the world a better place to be. 

celebrate her.

to give credit where it is due, two incredibly important women in my life turned me on to this poem. my little sister k found it while browsing for a "where would i be without you" gift for her teaching mentor. and oddly enough, my teaching mentor c used to jot lines from the poem on sticky notes and leave them on my desk during the many trying days of my first year. i often wondered where she found lines to fit each day, whether heartbroken, frustrated, giddy, or frightened. those silly little notes may be what kept me sane. and i saved every one. i knew it was a poem, but it wasnt until i read it in its entirety that i understood its true meaning. ive probably read it a million times, and it still gives me goosebumps. its very empowering as a whole. but if you take the time to peel it apart layer by layer, youll see a little bit of all the women you know. and if youre being honest with yourself, you will be able to relate. i have accomplished some of the lines in this poem. and i celebrate myself. and obviously, there are others i am still working on. but i know i will get there. and when that day arrives, i will celebrate.